[EXCLUSIVE] Gauteng health MEC: Court threats fly over patient deaths

Mahlangu could not give updated figures on the number of former Life Esidimeni patients who have died. The department is keeping a close eye on the Cullinan Rehabilitation and Care Centre following at least two recent deaths. (Felix Dlangamandla)

This week, Mahlangu discussed the department’s response to the deaths and why the matter may prompt court cases on both sides.

LISTEN: Health MEC on death of 36 mental health patients: ‘No one said it would be easy’

The former Gauteng health MEC says it wasn’t her job to visit organisations prior to transferring state patients into their care.

Can you explain the rationale behind the move?

We’ve been through that. I should start by saying we have met with a lot of people and the majority of them were at the march.

When people take things to the street as if there is no engagement with the department, it worries me as to what exactly is the intention of this.

A number of patients … because their psych conditions could not be managed at NGOs [nongovernmental organisations], those [patients] were sent to Sterkfontein [Psychiatric Hospital], to Weskoppies [Psychiatric Hospital] and some to the Cullinan [Care and Rehabilitation] Centre.

We’ve employed additional nurses … and we are also reviewing the amount of money we spend on patient care.

How were NGOs identified and vetted?

From September, I started visiting the NGOs. Before that … I would not have visited NGOs and I don’t think it would be my responsibility as an MEC.

The mental health team would have decided [on] these NGOs. The report we received would say something like: “This NGO qualifies.”

How will the department improve the monitoring of mental health facilities?

These scheduled weekly visits by our team are important but [we will be doing] more unannounced visits. I have said to some of the NGOs like the TAC that I am going to invite you to the NGOs when I go there. We’ve also said to our hospitals that where they have a [nearby NGO operating], medical doctors, not only psychologists, must … visit those places to medically assess patients.

We will respond to the issues that are practical to respond to. One thing that is impossible to do is to share details of family members without their consent — that we can’t do. Section27 has asked us for the list [of NGOs and patients].

Section27 wants to sue the department, so they want the list for that purpose. They’ve said it in our formal meeting with them. They came with their lawyers; we came with ours.

How many NGOs still house former Life Esidimeni patients?

Sho, I wouldn’t know off the top of my head … Probably more than 10.

You’ve mentioned possibly taking legal action yourself. Why?

Where my name has been used inappropriately in certain things, I will definitely be able to do so. I am working with lots of people who work exceptionally hard and sometimes they will make mistakes. Things go wrong sometimes, [but] the question is how do you learn from the mistake.